The Hebrides are set to host elements of a major UK-led multinational exercise when Exercise Joint Warrior gets underway.
One of the largest military exercises of its kind in Europe, Joint Warrior 212, which incorporates Dynamic Mariner 21, will run from this weekend until 30 September, with many of the participating vessels operating off the North and West coasts of Scotland.
Joint Warrior 212 is integrated with Exercise Dynamic Mariner 21 and will be the venue for maritime evaluation of UK Carrier Strike Force in its preparation for NATO Ready Force (NRF) 2022.
Eleven NATO nations will take part, bringing 25 warships, three submarines, over 30 aircraft and around 6,750 military personnel including 500 ground troops to military ranges across the country and to maritime exercise areas off the West and North Coasts of Scotland.
The participating NATO nations will be the UK, Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, France, Norway, Latvia, Germany and USA.
Exercise activity will include 25 naval units from UK, Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, France, Norway, Latvia, Germany and USA participating around the Scottish Coast.
Joint firing activity will take place at the South Uist rocket range.
Ships will conduct mine hunting exercises in areas around the Shiant Bank in the middle of the Minch.
There will be exercise activity in the North Minch to the west of Ullapool involving fast small boats, both civilian and military.
GPS denial operations will take place at times.
